We
had occasion to contract with Rich Weber, 4T (Tours, Trips, Trek, and
Travel), in The Dominican Republic in 2004. Planning and logistics preparations
began in late 2003 to bring 100 B3s in February, 50 B3s in March, and
100 B3s in April to the D.R.

Builders
Beyond Borders is an organization that provides high school students with
opportunities to engage in humanitarian service, to strengthen their awareness
of diverse cultures, and to develop lifelong commitments to helping others
by partici-pating in construction projects to benefit impoverished communities
throughout the world.

During
the "work week" of each 10-day trip, the B3Kids focus on the
construction projects in the mornings; in the afternoons, we like to take
them on excursions appropriate for their ages and energy levels. In addition,
for a day or two before construction begins and after the construction
is finished, we introduce them to other parts of our host country so that
they have a more complete picture of the country and its people.

Because
of our numbers of high school students (ages 14-17) and because each group
works in a different part of our host country, the planning and logistics
preparations present unique challenges. Rich Weber was, to put it simply,
just amazing! He knew exactly what kinds of excursions would be appropriate
AND fun for adventurous teenagers; he was always there to supervise the
safety of the kids; he was somehow able to remember the name of each kid;
his sense of humor was key to his relationships with them; he always had
an alternative in mind if some-thing happened to make an excursion not
possible; he was open and forthcoming with the adults; he was always on
top of the expenses.

We
are so fond of Rich and 4T that we wish we could clone him for all of
our destinations!